Source of Madness similar games & best alternatives
Source of Madness
2022
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Quick resume
Source of Madness is a side-scrolling dark action roguelite set in a twisted Lovecraftian inspired world powered by procedural generation and AI machine learning. Take on the role of a new Acolyte as they embark on a nightmarish odyssey.
Global score
70/100
Genres
Action, Role-playing (RPG), Platform, Adventure
Pros
- Unique lovecraftian art style and atmosphere
- Procedurally generated monsters and environments
- Engaging and challenging combat
- Deep progression and build customization
- Active developer support and updates
Cons
- Combat can feel floaty and imprecise
- Some balancing and content length issues
- Minimal narrative and story impact
- Enemy ai and movement can be unpredictable or frustrating
- Lack of save mid-run and some ui clunkiness
Motivations
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Autonomy3
"Players can choose different classes and customize builds with spells and items, but runs have procedural generation and some randomness in starting conditions."
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Competence3
"Combat requires skillful dodging and positioning; players improve over time and unlock upgrades, but some combat elements feel floaty and imprecise."
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Competition-3
"Focus is on individual progression and personal challenge rather than competing against others; no mention of PvP or leaderboards."
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Continuation3
"Players report addictive gameplay with desire to keep playing, though some mention waning interest after finishing acts; roguelite progression encourages repeated runs."
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Cooperation-5
"Game is single-player focused with no cooperative or multiplayer elements mentioned."
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Creativity4
"High creativity in procedural generation of monsters and environments; players create unique builds with spells and items."
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Domination-5
"No evidence of dominating others; gameplay is solo and cooperative social dominance is absent."
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Escapism4
"Strong Lovecraftian horror theme and immersive atmosphere provide escapism into a dark, surreal world."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or pressure to play."
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Experimenting4
"Players experiment with different builds, spells, and strategies; procedural generation encourages trying new approaches."
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Exploration3
"Players explore procedurally generated levels and discover secrets; some critique about limited story impact on hub world."
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Expression2
"Customization through character classes and spell/item builds allows some self-expression, though no avatar personalization."
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Fantasy5
"Strongly rooted in imaginative Lovecraftian cosmic horror fantasy with surreal monsters and environments."
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Fellowship-5
"No social or community play; experience is solitary."
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Growth4
"Players learn enemy patterns, improve skills, and unlock permanent upgrades through progression."
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention during runs; some runs can be long but players are engaged."
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Intimacy-5
"No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional sharing within the game."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management elements present."
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Progression4
"Persistent progression through unlocking skills, classes, and upgrades across runs."
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Relaxation2
"Some players find the atmosphere immersive and enjoyable, though combat can be challenging and tense."
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Sensation4
"Strong sensory stimulation from unique art style, sound design, and visual effects."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems mentioned."
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Story2
"Minimal narrative with some lore and atmosphere; story is light and underdeveloped but present."
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Strategy3
"Combat and build choices require tactical thinking and planning; some randomness limits full strategic control."
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Thrill3
"Challenging combat and unpredictable enemies create suspense and excitement."
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Value3
"Players feel the game offers good value especially at sale price; some critique about content length."
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Violence4
"Combat involves destroying grotesque monsters with spells and dismemberment."
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Survival3
"Players must avoid damage and manage resources to survive; enemies pose significant threat."
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Where to buy
Last update: 06/03/2026